First Day of Third and Final Session

I can't believe it is finally here! I think I say that a lot. I went to Le Cordon Bleu on Monday to scope out the class list, drop off my kit and save myself a good locker. No class list, the class is much bigger this session, so the core of us from Intermediate will probably be scattered. I did get two good lockers - on the top, I didn't know that people came early to save lockers, so I was crammed under another person changing out of their sweaty kitchen clothes for the other sessions. It is easier to have two lockers, one for clothes and the other for my kit. I have my uniform ironed, my knifes are all clean and I bought new paper for my notebook. I even have new shoes - thanks Nick! I have been wanting red kitchen clogs for the longest time, and I was hoping when I saw the Zappo's box, that it was for me. I hope I am the only one with red clogs. Read about the rest of my day by clicking on the link below.

After class, I went to the little cafe around the corner from the school to have a quiche with some friends, then metroed to the Grand Palais to see the last day of the Renoir exhibit. I waited outside in the cold for about 30 minutes, witnessing at least three people (two Eastern European, one French) blatantly butt in line ahead of me, get yelled at by security but not even back down. The exhibit is coming to Los Angeles and then to Philadelphia, showing Renoir's break with Impressionism. I had no idea how Renoir inspired other artists, especially Picasso. An exhibit on the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Turkey was also available, so I checked that out too. I don't know enough about history or read French well enough to get everything, but I enjoyed the jewelry, great amethyst earrings with pearls, and clothes, exquisitely worked caftans, in gold, green and hot pink abstract floral designs. The most interesting part was in the middle, the curators shone red light on the existing stairs, covered the walls with canvas printed with stone and mosaic work. Mystical music played and hovering over my head at the top, a dome. Each minute, a different Turkish dome interior was projected, some from mosques, some from churches, each more beautiful than the last.

I walked the Champs Elysee for a while, taking in the lights from all angles - including the middle of the road (don't worry, I was safe in the crosswalk). The blue lights on the trees are so much prettier than my video, but just come see for yourself one holiday season. Of course, I couldn't walk the Champs without buying something, so I found two books that I needed. Yes, they are in French. The first is from Laduree - they might have invented le macaron - the book comes in a pale green box lined with lavender tissue, and the book is pale green suede with gold edges. As elegant as Laduree.

The second book is a basic cookbook, for all food, not just pastry! Each recipe is shown step by step (pas de pas), I love how they show the ingredients lined up before starting the recipe. I wish more cookbooks were designed like this. I haven't made anything from it yet, but I might try the cheese souffle tonight. Wish me luck!